What The Papers Say - 18 October

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Friday's newspapers look ahead to the weekend's return to Premier League action as the Blues take on Hull City.

The Times carry an interview with Romelu Lukaku as Everton's loan striker aims to beat last season's tally of 17 league goals. The Belgian is already well on track with four to his name.

In the same paper, Roberto Martinez reflects on yet more dazzling performances on the world stage from Leighton Baines - displays the Everton boss says came as no surprise to him.

The Guardian, Daily Mail, Star, Mirror and Express all carry stories in this vein, with Martinez unconcerned by any transfer speculation surrounding his left-back.

On the local front, the Liverpool Echo were on hand to capture Howard Kendall's first ever visit to Finch Farm, as Martinez welcomed the former Blues boss to the Club's training facilities in Halewood.

Meanwhile, Kendall's weekly column looks at captains on Merseyside, Darron Gibson's knee injury and his predictions for Saturday's 3pm clash with the Tigers.

Martinez, in turn, speaks to Everton correspondent Greg O'Keeffe about Baines, claiming the Blues are seeing the best of a player who is 'settled and content'. The Spaniard also states his desire to ensure Gibson returns from his long-term layoff stronger and fitter than ever.

The Echo analyse the Toffees' start to the season and rate the players who have played a part so far, while Dave Prentice believes any takeover of the Club by Red Bull would be unlikely.